I love the book of Proverbs. How come? Because I need wisdom, and Proverbs offers it in abundance.

The Book of Proverbs was originally intended for young men who would grow to assume leadership positions. But it is beneficial for all, and it invites all to come and partake of it.

“Turn to my reproof,” wisdom cries, “And I will pour out my spirit on you. I will make my words known to you” (Pr.1:23).

Because you surely need wisdom, I commend Proverbs to you. Take one chapter a day, and you will get through the book in a thirty-one day month. If you do so with an attentive and faithful heart, you will be blessed with peace and joy – in addition to wisdom.

There are a number of themes in Proverbs that relate to everyday life. God and man, wisdom, the fool, the sluggard, friendship, words, the family, and life and death, are all themes that you’ll find through this book.

Dominant among these themes, of course, is wisdom itself.

But what is wisdom? One good definition is, “the right use of knowledge.” But if you take a closer look, you’ll find that wisdom has different shades that make it full and rich.

Wisdom, for example, involves instruction and training. It doesn’t just come with the passing of time. It’s hard won, because it involves character as much as the mind.

Wisdom also involves understanding or insight. When Solomon became king he prayed that God would give him the ability to discern between good and evil (1 Kings 3:9). What is it that gives such discernment? Wisdom.

Wisdom also contains an element of what we would call shrewdness, prudence, or wise dealing. Each of these abilities can be used to scheme and bring harm. But with the right heart they can bring good out of tight circumstances because such wisdom gives the ability to handle tough situations.

Finally, wisdom also has to do with knowledge and learning. Not merely head knowledge, but the knowledge of God. And this helps us to see how wisdom is actually attained.

Where does wisdom come from? It comes from the Lord.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Pr.9:10). This means that if you want wisdom, you must turn to the Lord and devote yourself to Him.

As one commentator on Proverbs put it, wisdom is not for the man who is wise in his own eyes, but the one who watches daily at the gates.